Kathmandu— The United States is working to establish a safe maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the continuous flow of oil and gas while maintaining pressure on Iran. Speaking on Saturday, Vice President JD Vance stated that while Washington is engaged in talks to maximize energy exports from the region, the administration does not trust Tehran's assurances regarding the safety of commercial vessels. This diplomatic effort comes as international officials monitor negotiations between Iran and Oman aimed at resolving shipping disruptions caused by a five-month-old conflict.

Diplomatic Efforts and Energy Security

Vice President JD Vance indicated that the primary objective of current negotiations is to ensure that the maximum amount of oil and gas can exit the Strait of Hormuz to stabilize energy prices for Americans. While Tehran has reportedly informed Washington it would allow maximum flow through the waterway, Vance noted, "we don't trust it."

Addressing the broader geopolitical landscape, Vance claimed that the United States has already significantly degraded Iran's military capabilities, including its nuclear program and conventional and asymmetric military abilities. He added that the U.S. is currently assessing whether Tehran is willing to make the long-term changes necessary for a better relationship with Washington, noting that if they are not, the U.S. will continue to apply pressure.

Negotiations Between Iran and Oman

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi stated that ongoing discussions with Oman regarding traffic regulation in the Strait of Hormuz do not constitute a full reopening of the strategic waterway. He explained that the two nations are working toward a provisional shipping route to address technical complexities, noting that they are "very close to the final result."

Araghchi emphasized that any permanent reopening of the strait remains subject to specific conditions, including compensation for what Tehran views as violations of a previous memorandum of understanding by the United States. He noted that traffic had previously reached 60 percent of normal levels within two weeks before the U.S. sought to establish new routes despite warnings from Tehran.

A U.S. official indicated that progress in talks between Iran and Oman could lead to a deal that restores commercial shipping and allows the U.S. to lift the blockade of Iranian ports once Iran fulfills its obligations.

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Originally published on abcnews.com.np.